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Inclusivity is a word that is thrown around a lot. But what does it mean to be truly inclusive? As an employer, these are things you should think about on a daily basis, checking that you provide (and encourage) a comfortable environment for everybody you employ and people that visit or deal with your business.
To be a more inclusive employer, there are several things you can do. Here are some tips:
1.Provide diversity and inclusion training for all employees.
This can help raise awareness and promote a more inclusive workplace. Training could cover topics such as cultural competency, unconscious bias, and inclusive communication. The training should be mandatory for all employees, from managers to executives.
2. Recruit from a diverse pool of candidates.
This can help ensure that your workforce reflects the diversity of the community you serve.
To do this, you can attend job fairs targeting under-represented groups and use inclusive language in your job postings.
3. Create a culture of inclusion.
This means actively promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your organisation, from hiring to promotion to day-to-day interactions.
This can include establishing diversity and inclusion committees, creating employee resource groups, and providing mentorship and sponsorship programs.
4. Provide accommodations for employees with disabilities.
This can include physical accommodations, such as wheelchair ramps, as well as accommodations for employees with learning disabilities or mental health conditions. Employers should have a process in place for employees to request accommodations and should work with employees to find the best solutions.
5. Foster open communication.
Encourage employees to speak up if they feel excluded or discriminated against, and take their concerns seriously. Employers should have a clear process for employees to report incidents of discrimination or harassment and should provide support and resources for employees who experience these issues.
6. Use inclusive language.
Avoid language that is gendered, ableist, or otherwise exclusionary. Use gender-neutral pronouns and avoid making assumptions about people based on their appearance or background. Employers should also avoid using language that reinforces stereotypes or perpetuates biases.
7. Celebrate diversity.
Host events and celebrations that recognise the diversity of your workforce and the community you serve. This can include cultural celebrations, diversity and inclusion training sessions, and employee recognition programs. Celebrating diversity can help build a sense of community and belonging among employees, and can also help attract and retain diverse talent.